Crystal Yates- *National Winner in Texaco Country Showdown!*
McKinney, Texas, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
Press
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (January 17, 2014) – CRYSTAL YATES representing radio station KITX in Paris Texas has won the 32nd Annual Texaco Country Showdown at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Recording artist LeAnn Rimes presented the Grand Prize of $100,000 to CRYSTAL YATES at the conclusion of the hotly contested competition. She was chosen over thousands of contestants throughout the year. Along with Crystal who was the Southwest Regional winner, the other National Finalists were: Suzanne Harper (West Region-KHTS Santa Clarita CA); Casey Sutton (Northeast Region- WBCU Union SC); Zac Matthews (Midwest Region-WJVL Janesville WI); and Southern Halo (Southeast Region- WDMS Greenville). - SPI
"Love wins."
Those words signify more than just an album title for Crystal Yates. They sum up her life. - McKinney-Courier Gazette
"Love wins."
Those words signify more than just an album title for Crystal Yates. They sum up her life. - McKinney-Courier Gazette
Love is not the only thing that "wins" on Crystal Yates new country fusion CD titled "Love Wins." That's because the genre of country music is a "winner" since it can now boast an accomplished, new artist such as Crystal Yates that blends elements of folk, bluegrass, blues, contemporary Christian and country to create a winning formula that is deserving of radio chart success.
The album begins with the bluesy country vibe of "No More Sighin'," which showcases Yates' perky but intellectual vocals. Radio program directors from multiple genres will find something to like in the lead-off cut. However, Crystal Yates shows off her traditional country music chops in the stellar "Stupid In Love," which more than proves that Yates has the talent to pull off a major country career. The song builds to a memorable chorus that has surprisingly accomplished production values for a new artist.
With an intro worthy of Jason Mraz, Crystal Yates begins to sing "As Long As I'm Behaving" with a sultry vocal that is both convincing and confident. This is the "Grease" moment when the good girl goes bad (in a positive way). Nevertheless, it is the contemporary Christian and country influences on "Where I Belong" that emerges as the album's best track. This cut could and should be immediately be released to contemporary Christian radio and mainstream country radio (possibly with a new country mix).
"I Believe" showcases Crystal Yates the pop diva. Believe it or not, Yates actually pulls it off, and the dark track slowly builds to a powerful chorus that burns with passionate intensity. "Didn't Break My Heart" also has quirky pop sensibilities.
The style of music country fans will love returns on "More Like Me," which has a memorable melody but could use a new arrangement and softer instrumentation. With a few small tweaks, "More Like Me" could also be a hit. On the other hand, "Let's Begin Again" is perfect just as it is. It is obvious that Crystal Yates is singing this song from a personal experience.
Another standout cut is the quiet "Look At What You've Done," which is sung with an unnamed male vocalist that this reviewer assumes to be her husband, Will Yates. On the basis of this performance, the chemistry of the two singers is very marketable. If they aren't married, the two artists should at least get hitched musically by forming a duo. Once again, this track could chart in multiple genres. Unusually, the title track "Love Wins" was saved for last, but the song doesn't disappoint. This uplifting track has a contemporary country sound that works.
In many ways, the music industry doesn't do any favors for diverse artists such as Crystal Yates, but "Love Wins" proves that the artist could find a niche in a few different music genres which would warmly welcome her and probably make her a star in at least one of them. Which genre it will be is still unknown, but if Crystal Yates sticks to her guns making music this good, there will be no doubt of her future success either as a solo artist or as a duo with talented husband Will. - Country Chart Magazine
Love is not the only thing that "wins" on Crystal Yates new country fusion CD titled "Love Wins." That's because the genre of country music is a "winner" since it can now boast an accomplished, new artist such as Crystal Yates that blends elements of folk, bluegrass, blues, contemporary Christian and country to create a winning formula that is deserving of radio chart success.
The album begins with the bluesy country vibe of "No More Sighin'," which showcases Yates' perky but intellectual vocals. Radio program directors from multiple genres will find something to like in the lead-off cut. However, Crystal Yates shows off her traditional country music chops in the stellar "Stupid In Love," which more than proves that Yates has the talent to pull off a major country career. The song builds to a memorable chorus that has surprisingly accomplished production values for a new artist.
With an intro worthy of Jason Mraz, Crystal Yates begins to sing "As Long As I'm Behaving" with a sultry vocal that is both convincing and confident. This is the "Grease" moment when the good girl goes bad (in a positive way). Nevertheless, it is the contemporary Christian and country influences on "Where I Belong" that emerges as the album's best track. This cut could and should be immediately be released to contemporary Christian radio and mainstream country radio (possibly with a new country mix).
"I Believe" showcases Crystal Yates the pop diva. Believe it or not, Yates actually pulls it off, and the dark track slowly builds to a powerful chorus that burns with passionate intensity. "Didn't Break My Heart" also has quirky pop sensibilities.
The style of music country fans will love returns on "More Like Me," which has a memorable melody but could use a new arrangement and softer instrumentation. With a few small tweaks, "More Like Me" could also be a hit. On the other hand, "Let's Begin Again" is perfect just as it is. It is obvious that Crystal Yates is singing this song from a personal experience.
Another standout cut is the quiet "Look At What You've Done," which is sung with an unnamed male vocalist that this reviewer assumes to be her husband, Will Yates. On the basis of this performance, the chemistry of the two singers is very marketable. If they aren't married, the two artists should at least get hitched musically by forming a duo. Once again, this track could chart in multiple genres. Unusually, the title track "Love Wins" was saved for last, but the song doesn't disappoint. This uplifting track has a contemporary country sound that works.
In many ways, the music industry doesn't do any favors for diverse artists such as Crystal Yates, but "Love Wins" proves that the artist could find a niche in a few different music genres which would warmly welcome her and probably make her a star in at least one of them. Which genre it will be is still unknown, but if Crystal Yates sticks to her guns making music this good, there will be no doubt of her future success either as a solo artist or as a duo with talented husband Will. - Country Chart Magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
My favorite songwriters are those who write from an honest, open place, and are willing to put their heart on the line. I've tried my best to do that in my music; it's all about life, love, relationships, and how we react to them.
Band Members
Links
